(Sylvester / Clarke / Hicks)
Johnny was a pusher on the east side
pushing anything to be pushed
Laid something on a guy who didn't get high
Didn't know the guy was a hood

Wheeling-dealing Johnny got frightened
thought the best place was out of town
Packed up his bags and threw them in the back
Packed up his bags and threw them in the back
of his Chevy put his foot flat down

Look out Johnny there's a monkey on your back
You better beware there Johnny
'cause the monkey's packin' a gat
Drivin' over red lights speeding down the freeway
Johnny Johnny get away

You better beware there Johnny
There's a monkey on your back

Johnny thought he'd do something clever
Turning south on the old Coast Road
Pushing 94 swerving leaning on the door
trying to shake off his heavy load

Crossed the state line feeling safer
Drinking in the corner of a bar
In walked a guy looked the barman in the eye
said "Hey is Johnny in here"

chorus

You better beware there Johnny
There's a monkey on your back
Be good

You better beware there Johnny
there's a monkey on your back
Look out Johnny 'cos the monkey's packin' a gat
Drivin' over red lights speeding down the freeway
Johnny Johnny get away

You better beware there Johnny
There's a monkey on your back
Look out Johnny there's a monkey on your back

(repeat)